There’s something irresistibly festive about meatballs on a stick, especially when they’re glazed in a tangy, slightly sweet cranberry BBQ sauce. These Cranberry BBQ Meatballs on Toothpicks are the kind of dish that disappears fast from the party platter and leaves people asking for the recipe. Whether you're hosting a big holiday bash or having a cozy family gathering, these little bites make the perfect addition to your lineup of easy Christmas appetizers for a party. With just the right balance of sweet, smoky, and savory, these meatballs fit right into the spirit of the season and are sure to be a hit at your table of fun Christmas appetizers.
Cranberry BBQ Meatballs on Toothpicks
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
Total Time 45 minutes mins
Course Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 24 meatballs (serves 8–10 as appetizers)
Large Mixing Bowl For combining the meatball ingredients.
Baking sheet with parchment paper Makes for easier cleanup and prevents sticking. A silicone baking mat works great too.
Small saucepan For simmering the cranberry BBQ sauce.
Whisk To blend the sauce smoothly.
Oven Standard kitchen oven preheated to 400°F (204°C).
Serving platter A festive one makes them feel even more special.
Toothpicks or cocktail skewers Essential for serving. You can use reusable mini skewers or fancy party picks if desired.
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef 80/20 for moisture and flavor
- ½ cup breadcrumbs plain or seasoned
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika optional, but adds a nice touch
For the Cranberry BBQ Sauce
- 1 cup canned whole berry cranberry sauce
- ¾ cup barbecue sauce your favorite, smoky or hickory flavors work well
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp chili flakes optional for heat
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley optional, for a pop of color
- Toothpicks or mini skewers
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to ensure easy cleanup and prevent the meatballs from sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, onion, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix gently using your hands or a wooden spoon until everything is well incorporated. Don’t overmix, or the meatballs may become tough.
Step 3: Shape and Bake
Form the mixture into 1 to 1½ inch balls — you should get about 24 meatballs. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. You can test one to be sure it's fully done.
Step 4: Make the Cranberry BBQ Sauce
While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberry sauce, barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and chili flakes (if using). Whisk until smooth and simmer for 5–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and flavors meld together.
Step 5: Coat the Meatballs
Once the meatballs are done baking, remove them from the oven and transfer them into a large bowl or back into the saucepan if it’s roomy enough. Pour the warm cranberry BBQ sauce over the meatballs and gently toss until they are evenly coated.
Step 6: Skewer and Serve
Insert toothpicks or small skewers into each meatball for easy serving. Arrange them on a serving platter and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a festive touch. Serve warm or at room temperature — they’re delicious either way.
Pairings
Cranberry BBQ Meatballs pair beautifully with a variety of holiday appetizers and drinks. Serve them alongside creamy deviled eggs, mini spinach and feta puff pastries, or a platter of cheeses and crackers. For a beverage, consider a crisp sparkling cider, a light pinot noir, or a wintery cranberry mule. These meatballs also balance nicely with other sweet-savory dishes like bacon-wrapped dates or glazed cocktail sausages, making them the perfect anchor for a spread of simple Christmas appetizers.
FAQs
1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken can be used for a lighter version. Just be sure to add a bit of extra moisture, like a tablespoon of milk or olive oil, since poultry tends to be leaner than beef.
2. Should I use canned cranberry sauce or homemade?
Canned whole berry cranberry sauce works great for ease and texture. If you have homemade cranberry sauce on hand from your Christmas dinner prep, feel free to use that — just make sure it’s not overly spiced.
3. Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can bake the meatballs and make the sauce a day ahead. Store them separately and reheat together before serving. They also freeze well — just thaw and reheat in the sauce.
4. Can I use frozen meatballs?
If you’re short on time, frozen meatballs are a great shortcut. Just heat them through as per package instructions and toss them in the cranberry BBQ sauce. It’s one of those easy Christmas recipes appetizers-style hacks that still tastes homemade.
5. Which type of BBQ sauce is best?
Go with a smoky, slightly tangy BBQ sauce to contrast the sweet cranberry. Avoid overly sweet sauces, which can clash with the cranberry's flavor. Hickory or mesquite-style BBQ sauces work especially well.
